While it's still the time for experimentation for Thomas Frank with a new Tottenham Hotspur squad that is still integrating pieces from the summer transfer window, including big names yet to debut under Frank like Randal Kolo Muani, the best players at his disposal should be taking shape in his eyes.
For example, it should be obvious to Frank that Xavi Simons is the starting attacking midfielder, Lucas Bergvall is a starting No. 8 alongside Joao Palhinha as the defensive midfielder, and Mohammed Kudus is the solution on the right wing.
But there's one position where Frank seems to be bouncing between players when he shouldn't be. There's been some competition on the left flank between Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie at left back, as Spence started the season as the main man with Udogie injured.
Now, though, the last few games since Udogie's return should make it apparent that it's time for Frank to leave Spence where he belongs ,and that is on the Tottenham bench. Now, there is nothing wrong with Spence as a player. He is a great one-on-one defender and one of the best backup fullbacks you could hope for.
Tottenham can't believe in a gimmick
But that's all he is. Spence is lacking in just about every other way at left back. His attacking contributions are woeful, and it's time Frank and even some Spurs fans come around to admitting that. A player with 0.3 key passes and 1.3 combined dribbles completed and fouls drawn per game is not a great starting fullback in the Premier League.
Udogie is so much better technically, and he just understands the game and how to play with the Tottenham wingers better. He is a crisp passer, a superior ball-winner, and just an all-around better fullback than Spence, who is a great backup but is a little gimmicky with how much people just focus on the one-on-one play - which is great but certainly not otherworldly enough to justify starting him over a superior all-around player.
This season, Udogie is averaging significantly more progressive actions per game despite his stats being skewed by only two starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League. Despite being 22 and already better than Spence at three years younger, Udogie still has fewer than half the number of Spence's Premier League starts this season.
That will - and must - change soon. There's not a single soul who watches Tottenham every week that thinks Spence is legitimately a better footballer than Udogie in any capacity, because they know memes are not real life. Surely, Frank understands the same.